The bench, worth £438, was last seen in Lake Meadow at around 4pm on February 8. The open space is ran by the National Trust and area ranger Andrew Dyer realised the bench had gone yesterday (Thursday, March 3). “I’m upset because it was something that was being used by the local community and the trust is a charity so I had to purchase a replacement out of my budget,” he said. The bench was bolted to the ground and Mr Dyer said the thieves would have had a hard time stealing it. As the park is a popular beauty spot, the ranger hopes someone will have a better idea of when it was taken. “The area is often used by dog walkers and a lot of people used the bench as it’s got nice views of Caldbec Hill in Battle,” he said. “And I have a feeling a lot of people would have used it and noticed when it was there and not there.” Anyone who may have seen it being removed or who has other information concerning its whereabouts is asked to email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or phone 101, quoting serial 1364 of 03/03. Alternatively, you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit: www.crimestoppers-uk.org. Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live. Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on. 1) Make our website your homepage at www.ryeandbattleobserver.co.uk/ 2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/RyeandBattleObserver 3) Follow us on Twitter Text to display 4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here. And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out! The Rye and Battle Observer - always the first with your local news. Be part of it.